Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of Carica papaya Unripe Fruit Extracts on Wound Isolates: Phytochemical Analysis and Susceptibility Testing

Abstract

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens poses a significant challenge in wound management. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial properties of unripe fruit extracts of Carica papaya on bacterial isolates from wounds. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides in both aqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Protues vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Escherichia coli, with aqueous extract exhibiting greater inhibition than the ethanolic counterpart. However, no activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings underscore the potential of Carica papaya extracts in combating opportunistic infections in wound management. Keywords: Carica papaya, wound, antibacterial, phytochemical, extracts, micro-organisms.